Biobest completes capital increase to fuel continuous expansion

03/05/2018 - Biobest today announced the closing of a 10 Mio € capital increase, with an option for an additional 10 Mio € at a later point in time. Mérieux Développement enters as a new minority shareholder joining majority owner Floridienne with a common long-term vision. Both strategic shareholders are dedicated to deliver an impact on sustainable agriculture and human health and are committed to support Biobest in becoming the world leader in biological control and pollination.

“We have demonstrated that we are able to increase the scope and impact of our offering for growers. The ambition to be their most reliable partner is guiding our efforts. It’s very satisfying to see these efforts rewarded with results like in 2017, where we managed to grow over 30% due to a combination of internal growth and a series of strategic acquisitions,” says Jean-Marc Vandoorne, CEO of Biobest. “We see a lot more opportunity to make an even bigger impact on sustainable horticulture; continuously improving our standards of service, expanding our product range and entering new geographical areas. This capital increase is a recognition of our achievements and enables us to continue to capitalize on the capabilities and enthusiasm of our team with new initiatives. I trust we will continue to deliver growth well above market average in the future.”

Jean-Marc continues: “We have been privileged to have a shareholder with a long term vision. I am pleased that Mérieux Développement and Floridienne have now joined forces as Biobest shareholders. I am confident that their visions are well aligned. Both have a strong ambition to make a contribution to sustainable development and Biobest is a great vehicle to achieve the societal impact they are aiming to deliver. For us, in addition to the financial resources, gaining access to the expertise and network ofMérieux Développement will be a valuable asset for our company.”

About Biobest - www.biobestgroup.comBiobest, headquartered in Belgium, is a leading player in pollination and biological control. The company reaches out to growers in over 60 countries. Through its subsidiaries, the company has production sites, sales and technical support staff strategically located across the globe for effective worldwide service. Biobest distributors in many countries are key partners with whom the company works very closely to help customers achieve their economic and ecological goals.

About Floridienne – www.floridienne.beFloridienne is a Belgian industrial holding company investing in companies, leading at European or global level, and operating in niche markets/market niches. Its activities are focused on three sectors: luxury foods, life sciences and chemistry. Floridienne is quoted on Euronext Brussels.

About Mérieux Développement - www.merieux-developpement.comMérieux Développement invests in growth and innovation financing in health and nutrition. Mérieux Développement supports entrepreneurs and companies with a product or service that represents true progress, and does so in different parts of the world. It puts its industrial expertise and extensive international network at their disposal. Mérieux Développement is a subsidiary of Institut Mérieux, currently employing more than 17.000 people and with a consolidated turnover of more than 2,9 billion Euros in 2017.